Welcome to the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) group design standards training. The WWC offers this training to inform the public about the key elements of the WWC group design standards, increase transparency of our review process, and promote the use of rigorous, high-quality research.

ABOUT THE TRAINING

This training series includes nine modules, each focused on a different aspect of the WWC group design standards and procedures. We recommend viewing the modules in numerical order. Start with the Introduction video, which describes the goals, topics, and organization of this training.

CERTIFICATE

If you view the first six modules on WWC standards in this training series, you will earn a certificate of completion. When you complete the Systematic Reviews module, choose the "Print Certificate" menu option on the left to receive your certificate.

GROUP DESIGN STANDARDS CERTIFICATION

Becoming certified in the WWC group design standards requires that you view all nine modules on the WWC Standards and Procedures and successfully complete a multiple-choice certification test. You will have four opportunities to take and pass the test, which includes 50 shorter multiple-choice questions and two multiple-part questions that simulate a review. When you successfully complete the test, you will be able to print a certificate as proof that you are certified in the WWC group design standards.

In addition to the certification test, trainees seeking to be certified reviewers for the WWC must complete additional tasks. Use the Contact Us form to contact the Help Desk if you are interested in pursuing this highest level of certification. Those who successfully complete this level of certification can be included in the list of certified reviewers on the WWC website, and the WWC or the Institute of Education Sciences may contact them to assist with review efforts.

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Welcome to the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) group design standards recertification page.

This page provides details on how reviewers already certified under version 3.0 of the WWC group design standards can become recertified under version 4.0. If you have not been certified on the WWC procedures and standards but are interested in becoming a reviewer, please see WWC Reviewer Certification resource for more information.

The recertification process includes four key steps:

1. CLUSTER-LEVEL ASSIGNMENT TRAINING MODULE

The standards used to review cluster-level assignment studies have undergone major revisions for version 4.0 of the WWC procedures and standards. Click the 'Cluster-Level Assignment' button on the left to view the training video about the standards and how to apply them when reviewing cluster-level assignment studies.

We recommend you view this training module prior to the reviewer recertification training webinar.

2. REVIEWER RECERTIFICATION TRAINING WEBINAR

A presentation on January 12, 2018, covered the major changes to the WWC procedures and standards that are not related to the overhauled design standards for cluster-level assignment studies.

If you were unable to attend the webinar on January 12, please view the recording on the left.

A transcript may also be found in the WWC Resources section on the left.

3. RECERTIFICATION EXAM

Reviewers must pass an exam containing ten multiple-choice questions to become recertified on version 4.0 of the WWC group design standards. Reviewers are allowed two attempts to pass the test (achieve a score of 80 percent or higher).

Beginning February 28, 2018, the multiple-choice exam will be administered via email. To receive a copy of the exam, please email Contact.WWC@ed.gov. You will receive a file with the 10 multiple-choice questions and answer selections. Once you have indicated your answer to each of the questions, return the completed exam to Contact.WWC@ed.gov for grading.

4. STUDY REVIEW GUIDE (SRG) TRAINING MODULE

After passing the recertification exam, reviewers are required to view the training module on the SRG, which has undergone revisions based on the changes to the WWC standards and procedures. Click the ‘Study Review Guide’ button on the left to view this training video.

After you have passed the recertification test and viewed the online training module on the SRG, please email Contact.WWC@ed.gov to complete the recertification process.

Have any questions or want more information on the changes to WWC procedures and standards?

The recertification training team is here to help!

The WWC held two office-hour style webinars for questions about the changes in the procedures and standards.

The transcripts for the webinars on January 22 and 26, 2018, are available in the WWC Resources section on the left.

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